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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

How to Love Yourself in 2011

Hello, visitors and subscribers!

I'm Delaney Diamond. I write contemporary African-American and interracial romance. My first book, titledThe Arrangement, was released November 12, 2010 by Amira Press. Join me every first Wednesday of the month to discuss any number of topics, including my interests: cooking, frugal living, traveling, holistic health, and of course, writing.

A full month of 2011 has already slipped by, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still talk about resolving to make changes in our lives.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is in the air. Everywhere we go there are red balloons, signs advertising special deals on flowers, and chocolates lining store shelves. Whether or not you’re in a relationship, you can still experience love. How about showing a little love to yourself? Aren’t you worth it? Here’s how you can show yourself some love in 2011.

Forgive yourself. Let it go! Whatever mistakes you made last year or in the past in general, leave them in the past. Experience has taught me this is easier said than done. But everyone makes mistakes, and you can’t move forward in an emotionally healthy way if you don’t forgive yourself.

Eat right. As much as possible, eliminate convenience foods from your diet. Not only will you supply more nutrients to your body, you’ll save money, and you’ll probably lose weight, too. Preparing meals from scratch takes a little extra time than cutting open a package and dumping the contents in a pot, but remember, you’re worth it.

Exercise. Thirty minutes, three to five days per week can make a difference in how you feel and is good for your heart. Take a walk on the treadmill. Go roller skating, take yoga, or go for a swim. Just get moving! Always consult a physician before you begin any exercise program.

Indulge in your favorite pastime. No more excuses about I don’t have time for this or I don’t have time for that. Do a crossword puzzle, go dancing, take a road trip, or read a book. If you must, add it to your calendar and don’t miss that appointment.

The Arrangementis her debut release, available now from Amira Press. Read Chapter One on theBookspage atwww.delaneydiamond.com. Subscribe to herblogor join her and the other romance lovers onFacebook.

Blurb for The Arrangement:

Brazilian millionaire, Leonardo da Silva, is still seething from when his African-American wife, Alexa, walked out on him four months ago. Now she’s in his office asking for a business loan to help her brother. Instead of a loan, he’s willing to give her the money, but only if she resumes her role as his wife for the next two months. She reluctantly agrees, and she soon finds herself wishing their arrangement was permanent. But when she finds out about Leonardo’s betrayal, there may be no way for them to mend their broken marriage.

Hey Delaney, you are certainly right about loving yourself...if you don't, how do you expect anyone else to? Loving yourself is also a healthy choice because it means you won't allow anyone else to mistreat you, because you'll know you deserve better. BTW, I've read some of the excerpts you've run of your book...makes me wanna go show myself some serious love, if you get my meaning! (wink)

Good post. Lots of good ideas in it. My plan this year is to just do what makes me happy. If I want to read a book I will, if I want to sleep I will, if I want to go out to dinner I will, whatever makes me happy is what I will do.

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Tina is an Amazon and international bestselling novelist who writes passionate romance for every taste - 'heat with heart' - for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Romantic Times, and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic novels (Freeing the Beast, Come and Get Your Love, and Wicked Takeover) were Readers' Choice Award winners. Another three (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic contemporary romance, was chosen Book of the Year at the French review site Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights. Two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. Before penning romances, she worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.